Investigation of Mesh Generation Methods Applied to Umbilical Cables and Flexible Pipes 2D Typical Geometries

Leonardo Riccioppo Garcez¹; Clóvis de Arruda Martins¹

¹ University of São Paulo

doi:10.20906/CPS/COB-2015-1708

Resumo

The Finite Elements Method (FEM) is a consolidated technique in solid mechanics simulations and great part of its results precision is dependent on a good quality mesh representing the problem domain. There is a large variety of methods and algorithms to generate computational meshes for this analysis, but they are not applicable to all geometry. Some complex geometry formed with curves and holes require the use of specific methods to meet its features and, therefore, if no suitable algorithm is implemented, it is commonly developed a low quality mesh. This work proposes an investigation of mesh generation methods to meet the typical geometries presented in Umbilical Cables and Flexible Pipes internal components, carefully selecting the more suitable algorithm to be used with FEM finality. A brief research on the state of the art of 2D mesh generation is presented based on previous published reviews and other separated methods, followed by a discussion about viability of applying the selected algorithms to the specific problem. At the end, it is verified there are multiple methods that meet the application necessities for separated types of geometries, but few can be used to generate high-quality meshes reaching all kinds of geometries exposed here.

Palavras-chave: Mesh Generation; Computational Mechanics; Numerical Algorithm; CAGD; FEM; Mechanical Simulation